Working in Canada Via Canada-United States-Mexico TrADE Agreement (NAFTA)
You may be eligible to work in Canada temporarily under the North American Free Trade Agreement NAFTA, now called Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
This agreement facilitates temporary entry for citizens of the United States, Canada and Mexico who are engaged in trade or investment activities in a member country.
CUSMA takes away the need for a Labour Impact Assessment (LMIA) and expedites the application process.
While citizens of the United States do not require an eTA or a visa to enter Canada, citizens of Mexico do.
Who is Eligible under this Agreement?
Business Visitors
Professionals
Intra-Company Transferees
Traders and Investors
Professionals
Professionals are individuals who enter contracts to provide pre-arranged professional services, either as a salaried employee of a Canadian enterprise, through a contract between the businessperson and a Canadian employer, or through a contract between the businessperson’s American or Mexican employer and a Canadian enterprise.
A NAFTA/CUSMA-professional must be qualified to work in one of the underlisted professions.
Intra-Company Transferees
Intra-Company Transferees (ICT) must be temporarily transferred to Canada to work for a branch, subsidiary or affiliate of their US or Mexican employer.
ICTs must have worked for their US or Mexican employer continuously for at least one of the last three years and be employed by the company at the time of application as a manager, executive or in a specialized knowledge related capacity.
Traders and Investors
A NAFTA/CUSMA trader must demonstrate an intent to conduct substantial trade in goods or services between Canada and his or her home country (US or Mexico).
A NAFTA Investor must demonstrate that he or she has made a significant investment in a new or existing Canadian business and is seeking entry into Canada to develop and direct the Canadian business.
Employees of the primary investor who are considered crucial staff may also be granted a work permit under the CUSMA Investor category.